In the past all nurseries have had to be registered by Social Services under the 1989 Children Act. This ensured that all nurseries conformed to a basic standard of quality and inspections took place annually.

Ofsted was the agency that checked education for 3 and 4 year olds to ensure that nurseries were promoting the Early Learning Goals. These checks took place either every 2 years or every 4 years depending on how good your initial report was.

New Inspectorate (effective from September 2001)

These two groups have now joined forces and are named Ofsted. They are responsible for regulation and inspection of all under 8 provision. Their full nursery inspections will take place annually. Nursery education inspections (checking Early Learning Goals) will be carried out at least every 4 years alongside the normal annual inspection. These 4 yearly inspections will be carried out more frequently if a setting is found to have more weaknesses.

Very few nurseries have been inspected by this new organisation to date, including ourselves. However, previous inspections under the old methods have brought forward the following comments.

"The few recommendations made reflect the high standard being maintained in the nurseries" "I felt that the staff were enthusiastic and caring. They communicated well with the children and provided a stimulating environment" "The activity plans in each unit indicated that children have the opportunity to experience a wide range of activities" "The cottage nurseries are providing a good standard of care meeting the needs of children in an attractive, stimulating and homely environment" Our report is available to registered and prospective parents at all times.

"The children are happy, confident and very well behaved" "The teaching is of a high standard and contributes to the childrens area in all six areas of learning" "The planning of the educational programme is very good" Our most recent inspection report can be viewed by visiting the Ofsted web site, click on the link below. [View The Ofsted Report]